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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 5/9/2013 6:54 PM (GMT 0)
  I am supposed to start on this medication....I am scared to death, so much so, that I may not take it....has anyone had really bad side effects? Or positive?   So far I have been doing fine with steroids, but now I think it is out of control.  Yesterday my tests came back RAfactor: 153 Cyclic citrullinated peptide (whatever that is): 250

Please, somebody, help.  Thanks. idea

Posted 5/10/2013 2:04 AM (GMT 0)
I love mtx (methotrexate) and couldn't live without it now. My knees were so swollen I couldn't get my jeans on, within weeks of being on mtx my swelling was gone. I had to build up to full strength slowly as my first attempt to take it made me feel sick, so my doctor started me on 10 mg for a few months , then 15mg then finally 20mg that I am still on today. I drink lots of water the day I take it and 5mg folic acid the day after. I have NO side effects but I have stopped drinking alcohol.
It really is a wonder med, I take it with humira and for me that combination is fantastic.
Its worth the risk and steroids create so many problems long term, high cholesterol, low bone density to name two.
Best wishes, golitho
Posted 5/10/2013 2:34 AM (GMT 0)
Methotrexate can be a scary medication, but it can help, I was very scared to death of this medication like you but let me tell you it sure did help my swelling...make sure you get a script for folic acid from your doctor as folic acid can relieve some of the side effects. I was started on self injections and very slowly my doctor's nurse showed me how to inject and after a couple of months it became easier and easier to do and with the self injections you should not get any of the stomach upsets and it's gets into you faster than the pills...also make sure to eat good before taking the methotrexate... give it a try it might help you and give you relief...also get into your eye doctor and tell him you have RA as RA can effect your eye's, just a heads up....many well wishes and do give the methotrexate a try.
Posted 5/10/2013 3:44 AM (GMT 0)
It made me incredibly nauseous and tired all the time. To the point that I couldn't drive a car. My Doctor took me off of it which was good because there was no way I was staying on it.

I hope you have a better experience. I know for many people it can really work well.
Posted 5/10/2013 10:07 PM (GMT 0)
I get nauseous when I take it, so I take it right before I go to bed so I can sleep through the nausea. Methotrexate along with humira has been so wonderful for me. Gave me my life back.

Jess
Posted 5/14/2013 4:34 PM (GMT 0)
The only side effect I've ever had with mtx is my hair falls out for a couple of days after I take it. And it locks up my bowels sometimes and I have to have something for that, but otherwise, it is a miracle drug. I can REALLY tell, if i'm late taking it. It has made a huge difference.
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